WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Grain Chain, a grains industry coalition from farm to table, is pleased that the United States Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) incorporated recommendations for grain foods in the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that are in keeping with the overwhelming body of current science. Furthermore, the recommendation for the average healthy American adult to consume six one-ounce servings of grain foods daily, with half of those servings coming from whole grains and the remainder from enriched grains, is consistent with recommendations from major leading health organizations.
American Bakers Association
“The American Bakers Association applauds HHS and USDA for recognizing the nutritional value of both whole and enriched grains in the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The recommendations’ emphasize grains’ vital role at every meal in improving the health of all Americans and combating obesity. The reliance on actual dietary patterns and solutions also should assist consumers. The accompanying MyPlate icon’s promotion of “My Wins”, highlights grain foods continued essential role in a balanced diet, and the foundation of healthy lifestyles. Complex carbohydrates provide essential fuel the body needs.
Bakers continue to offer innovative, healthy grain products to meet the American consumers’ needs. These include an ever-growing variety of whole grain and enriched products that meet customer taste preferences. These include, folic acid, calcium for bone health, Omega 3s, and lower sodium,” said Robb MacKie, ABA President and CEO.
Founded in 1897, the ABA is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. ABA represents the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas, and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $102 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 706,000 highly skilled people.
The Grain Foods Foundation
“The Grain Foods Foundation appreciates the DGA’s acknowledgement of the vital role both whole and enriched grains play in a balanced, healthful eating pattern. We look forward to incorporating the guidelines into our ongoing educational efforts focused on helping Americans lead healthier lives.” – Christine Cochran, Executive Director, Grain Foods Foundation
The Grain Foods Foundation a joint venture of members of the milling, baking and allied industries formed in 2004, is dedicated to advancing public understanding of the beneficial role grain-based foods play in the human diet. Directed by a board of trustees, funding for the Foundation is provided by voluntary donations from public and private grain-based food companies and is supplemented by industry associations. For more information, visit www.grainfoodsfoundation.org.
North American Millers’ Association (NAMA)
“The milling industry is pleased the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognizes the importance of both whole and enriched grains in the diet and looks forward to working with grain chain, USDA, and HHS, on spreading the message about the health benefits of both to consumers.” – James McCarthy, NAMA President & CEO
North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) is the trade association of the wheat, corn, oat, and rye milling industries. Member companies operate mills in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and represent more than 90 percent total industry production capacity.
National Pasta Association (NPA)
“Nutrition experts routinely recommend a balance of both whole and enriched grains to ensure a nutritionally complete diet that provides the essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that help promote health and reduce risk of chronic disease. Pasta is an important component of the Mediterranean Diet, which is recognized by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Report as a model healthy diet pattern that Americans should strive toward. Grains like pasta – whether whole grain or enriched varieties – provide an ideal foundation for healthy and satisfying meals, as pasta is generally eaten with nutrient-dense food partners, such as vegetables and beans, heart-healthy fish and monounsaturated oils, antioxidant-rich tomato sauce and protein-packed cheese, poultry and lean meats.” – Carol Freysinger, Executive Director, National Pasta Association
National Pasta Association (NPA) was founded in 1904 and is an organization of pasta manufacturers, millers and suppliers to the US pasta industry. NPA serves as a cohesive industry advocate, a promoter of pasta and a center of knowledge for its members and consumers.
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG)
“U.S. wheat farmers are pleased the USDA and HHS recognizes whole grains as a vital part of a healthy American diet. We appreciate efforts by our U.S. Grain Chain partners in educating about wheat’s health benefits for the crop we so proudly grow,” commented Jim Palmer, CEO, National Association of Wheat Growers.
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) is a federation of 22 state wheat grower associations that works to represent the needs and interests of wheat producers before Congress and federal agencies. Based in Washington, D.C., NAWG is grower-governed and grower-funded, and works in areas as diverse as federal farm policy, trade, environmental regulation, agricultural research and sustainability.
The Wheat Foods Council
“The Wheat Foods Council (WFC) supports the emphasis of the newly-released 2015 Dietary Guidelines on balance and dietary patterns as the best way to achieve a healthy diet. Wheat and wheat foods, as the Guidelines recognize, are an essential part of healthful dietary patterns, contributing not only valuable nutrients but also offering consumers versatility, value and good taste. We look forward to working with the departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture to educate consumers about the important role – and contributions – of wheat and wheat foods in healthy eating patterns. We also support recommendations for all Americans, from children to adults, to make regular physical activity an integral part of their daily lives.” – Tim O’Connor, President, Wheat Foods Council
The Wheat Foods Council is a leading source of science-based information on wheat and wheat foods nutrition. For more information, visit the WFC website, www.wheatfoods.org.
Source: American Bakers Association
